Across the U.S., more than 2,500 office buildings, schools, hospitals, and public buildings, representing 482 million square feet, earned EPA’s ENERGY STAR for superior energy and environmental performance through 2005, including 73 in Pennsylvania.

In Pennsylvania, these 73 ENERGY STAR -qualified buildings represent approximately 10 million square feet of space and save an estimated $37 million annually in lower energy bills, while meeting industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality. These buildings also prevent 150 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions from more than 44,000 vehicles.

Nationwide, ENERGY STAR buildings are saving an estimated $349 million annually in lower energy bills, because ENERGY STAR buildings use up to 40 percent less energy than typical buildings, while providing the required comfort and services. These buildings also are preventing 1.8 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions from 540,000 vehicles.

“By partnering with EPA, building owners are realizing that they can reduce energy costs without sacrificing comfort or tenant satisfaction,” said EPA Region III Administrator Donald S. Welsh. “ENERGY STAR building owners in Pennsylvania are to be congratulated for taking an important leadership step. Commercial buildings account for more than 17 percent of our national’s greenhouse gas emissions.”

Buildings earn the ENERGY STAR based on EPA’s energy performance rating system. These buildings must score a 75 or better (on a scale from 1-100) based on their actual energy use, and also meet industry standards for comfort and indoor air quality. The average score for ENERGY STAR labeled buildings in 2005 is 86.

For a list and links to the 73 buildings in Pennsylvania, visit the Energy Star Find Buildings webpage.

3/10/2006